Laura Graham is running against Ethan VanderZanden for the four-year Zone 5 seat on the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District board in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s certified candidate list confirms both candidates.
Background and experience
In her own statement in the Washington County voters’ pamphlet, Graham describes herself as retired after more than 25 years as a business systems analyst. She lists a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration from Concordia University in Portland and attendance at Tigard High School. She lists no prior governmental experience.
Graham says she has managed 40 acres of timber forest in Washington County for nine years and previously restored a creek by planting native species and removing invasive plants. She says participation in the district’s Forest Health Conservation Program helped improve forest health and resilience, and that she wants to give back through board service.
Conservation priorities
Graham’s statement emphasizes planning, fiscal responsibility and accountability. She identifies climate change, wildfire risk, invasive species, water availability and forest and watershed health as issues conservation efforts must address.
She calls for cooperation with landowners and practical, accessible programs that provide knowledge, technical assistance and resources for stewardship. These are Graham’s candidate-submitted descriptions and priorities; the county notes that it does not verify candidate statements.
Candidate responses
No submitted Surround Sound Media questionnaire response was available for this profile.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
